Stephanie goes extreme

MANILA, Philippines - Her fragile looks seem to tell you Stephanie Henares is only limited to doing things that require less physical strength. But looks are sometimes deceiving. The slender, doll-like figure is not just fit for a modeling career where she never fails to make heads turn every time she walks the ramp.

In fact, Stephanie did the country proud when she represented the Philippines in the 2008 Liquan Cup Asian Model Competition in Nanning, China. She’s one of the Top 10 models during the contest.

But it is in hosting where Stephanie proves she can go beyond what is expected of her.

“It all started on Q-11, everyone is asking me to try out as a Q VJ then I said, ‘Why? I like modeling.’ Then they asked if I wanted to host but I don’t think I can speak,” Stephanie relates. “But I tried out anyway. They asked me to say something about myself. I related what happened to me that day and I found myself so relaxed while telling everything.”

After the audition, she realized she could talk in kilometric sentences in front of the camera. What came next is the job she deserves: A QVJ.

And as if that’s not enough, becoming part of Q-11’s magazine show X-Life together with Gino dela Peña and JC Tiuseco, tests her ability in accomplishing things that challenge her stamina and personal know-how.

“X-Life really makes me step out of my box with various tasks that measure how far could I go. I do wall climbing yet the show is different. They (tasks) are so challenging,” Stephanie offers.

During the show’s initial episode in Laoag, Stephanie tried surfing and glided with ease in sunboarding. What turned her stomach upside down were the exotic food called pukpok and the sour-tasting seaweed salad.

“It’s fun. At least I get to discover things during the show.”

The one thing her dad, Ronnie Henares, reminds her is never to jump off a cliff. But it’s too late. Stephanie just recently did some cliff jumping in Boracay.

“Perhaps the only thing I can’t do is to jump off a plane. I hope they won’t let me do it on the show,” wishes Stephanie.

But the idea of wearing costumes for cosplays excites her no end. Her stint in Animax, as one of its Animates who hosts the channel’s events, allows her to get to know more about animé and cosplays. “I’d like to be one of the school girls with a blue hair. Wearing a soldier costume is fun, too.”

Asked if there’s no conflict working for an international network and doing shows for GMA, Stephanie says, “No, I think it’s more of a privilege. As a GMA artist, I’m also representing GMA there.”

Aside from modeling and hosting, Stephanie is also one of PLDT MyDSL ambassadors. Does she also want to do acting like her cousin Rhian Ramos where her mom Ida Henares can properly handle her acting career?

“I wouldn’t mind trying it but for now I enjoy hosting and doing things that show how fit and healthy I am while living a happy lifestyle.”